Opportunities for summer employment for teens abound, along with the chance to develop communication skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.
These top ten summer jobs for teens are listed below in no particular order. Some of these jobs involve working for someone else, while some involve building your own business and working for yourself. Take stock of your personal interests and abilities, and see if any of these are a good match for you.
Food Service
Restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, special events, and other summer destinations all have one thing in common. They sell food, and they need people to prepare it, serve it, and clean it up. Especially for teens that may be interested in careers in areas such as hotel and restaurant management, this kind of job might be a good foot in the door. Such establishments are almost always hiring, so ask to fill out an application or meet with a manager even if they aren’t currently advertising an opening.
Retail
Whether your interest is fashion, technology, sports, music, home re-modeling, or gardening (just to name a few), there is a retail store out there for you that can help you combine your passion with earning potential. Background knowledge or experience in related areas will give you an edge over other job-seekers. Make sure you highlight these skills when you apply.
Sports Camps
If you love kids and you love sports, you might be interested in a job running summer sports camps or classes. Make sure you have reasonable expertise in, for example, baseball or field hockey, before applying. Check your local Y or similar agency, local camps, or area youth sports leagues, for opportunities.
Camp Counselor
If you live near a day or sleep-away camp, there may be opportunities to work as a Camp Counselor for the summer. This job will give you the opportunity to serve as a positive role model for young people, while helping them experience a variety of fun activities. You should be active, enthusiastic and love spending time with kids. You may even be able to specialize in a certain area of interest, like art of music.
Child Care
Along the same lines, local child care centers may be looking for young people to help with their summer programs and activities. Though kids don’t have school in the summer, parents still have to work, and therefore child care centers are busier than ever during the summer months and usually need extra help. Think of it like being a camp counselor, but during the day and closer to come.
Don’t discount private babysitting opportunities, either. Send flyers out to your neighbors or adults you know from school or church, letting them know your experience, availability, and rates. You might want to consider taking a babysitting course to really make your resume shine. Contact your local YMCA for details.
Yard Work
The perfect opportunity for your own at-home business.
Decide what you want to do (mow lawns, pull weeds, plant flowers, lay mulch, etc.) and print up flyers announcing your services and prices to your neighbors. Be sure to do a good job so you can use your happy customers as references for the next job.
Tutoring
Put those good grades to work! If you’re really good at one or more school subjects, why not offer your services as a tutor? Kids often learn best from other kids, and helping a younger child master essay writing or multiplication facts can be a very rewarding way to earn some extra money. Network with some elementary school teachers to get the word out about your services. Make sure to only tutor in homes of people you know, just to be on the safe side.
Cleaning Services
Many people find cleaning to distasteful that they will gladly pay someone else to do it rather than doing it themselves. Set an hourly rate and find a way to advertise your services, either through a flyer or email. Since you will be working inside other people’s homes, it’s a good idea to only work for people you know and trust. Make sure you do a good job; people may want you to come back in a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Lifeguarding
Love to swim and be around water? Consider a job lifeguarding at a hotel or public pool. You will need strong swimming skills and a lifeguard’s certification for this job. One of the perks is being able to spend all of your working hours out of doors. If you work in a place that also offers swim lessons, like a YMCA, you might be able to teach, as well. Contact the pool manager or aquatic instructor for details.
Music Lessons
If you have several years of musical training under your belt, consider offering basic beginner’s instruction for children. Contact a local music school for opportunities, or, if there aren’t any around, consider starting up a small mini-school yourself.
Keep in mind that jobs working with children will likely require background checks that you may have to obtain at your own expense. Usually these are only about $10-$15.
With a little thought and planning, you can turn your summer into an opportunity to make money and learn some important life skills, and have fun at the same time!
Susan Carney - I have been working as a middle school counselor with 6th and 7th grade students for the past thirteen years. I received a BA in ...
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